Article | 10 Nov, 2008

Geological World Heritage: A Global Framework

This report discusses role of the World Heritage Convention  in recognizing and protecting geological and geomorphological heritage, and presents proposals based on a global consultation

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Photo: Paul Dingwall, Tony Weighill and Tim Badman, IUCN 2005

Prepared by Paul Dingwall, Tony Weighill and Tim Badman, IUCN 2005

The World Heritage Convention is capable of recognizing geological and geomorphological values either directly or indirectly. The supportive Convention is also capable of recognizing the value of geological and geomorphological values, underpinning biological, cultural and landscape diversity. The ways in which this might be achieved need further discussion. Direct recognition of such values comes through inscription of properties on the World Heritage List under criterion viii (formerly natural criterion i) either on its own or in combination with other natural or cultural criteria.